Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Whatever holiday you may be celebrating this winter, Paula and I wanted to give readers some help finding some new book treasures to be shared and cherished. We found many books that were tickle-your-funny-bone funny, awe-inspiring, or beautiful. We also included a few titles with heavier themes (see YA novel section) but it's not all doom-gloom and dysfunction.As I mentioned in yesterday's post, here's the line up for the week:

Today - Picture Books

Tomorrow - Middle Grade Fiction & Graphic Novels

Thursday - High School Fiction & Classic Parodies

Friday - Non-fiction (all ages)All books listed here have been linked to the Indigo Books website. Paula and I spent a morning recently pouring over books and sipping festive beverages at a nearby store with the thought that these books would be easy for everyone to find at their own local bookstores. If you can't make it out to shop them maybe try the buying them online.Happy holiday reading, Everyone!DAY 4 - NONFICTION
(Days 1-3 are below just scroll down.)

Today is the last of our lists. We hope you found something that will make a great gift for someone or perhaps, even yourself. You could always check out the lists from 2015 and 2016 if you want additional recommendations. Paula and I saw many of the books previously listed, in Indigo so it's not too late to snag one those books. Happy reading, Everyone.

We Three Kings … Real Boys

Although not only for boys, the following three books are the non-fiction writings of men who have unique stories to tell. Science, space and hockey – three popular subjects and not without controversy. Buying one of these books for someone in your life will spark some great conversations.

Although not always politically correct, these books will capitalize on creating a feminine powerhouse of your gift recipient. These books are about being in charge of your life and how you live it. #GirlPower

Why? Why? Why? Here is a list of books that may appeal to those people in your life who love trivia and question how the world works. All of these are great for browsing and some have very engaging book designs for younger readers.

We wish you a…Weird, Wonderful and Wacked Feats of Engineering (various ages)

As much as humans are capable of solving problems they are also good at creating them, as well. The following selection will make you wonder and gasp at humankind’s capacity for innovative thinking, and outrageous foolishness.

You can make spirits bright by supplying books about how to do something. These kind of books appeal to all ages and sometimes you are doing something right to the book or following instructions within the book. No matter how it works, it works. For the “doers” on your list, check out a these selections.

The following is a very short list of some current reads for teens about contemporary life. These kids are dealing with issues related to who they are, their sexuality, their family and friends, and how they get on in the world at large. You know… just the usual stuff.

Is spending time with your teen making you re-think modern society and it’s very survival? Do you want to intercept their line of vision before it sinks back to SnapChat and Instagram? These fantasy and sci-fi choices will have your teen reading and taking on all the qualities of the human you love.

Only two books in this section but they are both special. Each one would be wonderful for the historical fiction reader in your circle. From the deathly seriousness of Auschwitz and how life secretly is contained within its walls to a funny character-driven tour-de-force in 18th century Europe, these two books will appeal to a reader you may know.

Where all of the animals gather to get warm and nourished. Settle in with Rover or Kitty with a few festive treats for both of you and read a great animal story. Animal stories are favourites among the middle grade set. You may want to take turns with a read aloud or let your young person just enjoy some down time reading during the holidays. Either way, these books are bound to become favourites.

Everyone has someone on his or her list who would love to read a story in comic form.Some are colour comics, some black and white but there is always a great story to read and enjoy.So grab a hot chocolate and curl up with one of these.

*We have a couple more graphic novels to recommend but they're more appropriate for teens. Please check out tomorrow's list.

Thefollowing books all have some aspect of beauty that make them stand out. It might be the illustrations of which you will see a range of styles or it might be found in the meaning of the text about appreciating what we have and taking notice of what and who are in our lives.

Hahaha, and these books are sure to
make for a funny, comfortable and cozy story time at the end of a long winter’s
night. These picture books are sure to
please the kids (up to grade 3) and even the adult readers too. Have a laugh together and enjoy some wacky
stories and illustrations that never get old.

Winter is a great time to get all snuggled in with a good book. But why not feel even more cocoon when reading about winter while it's cold and snowy outside? Here are a few recommendations that will give you this satisfaction and a few belly laughs along the way.

Here are a few collections of stories or
poetry that may appeal to you when you want to buy just one book but get lots
for reading for your money.Some
classics, some not-so-classic, there may be a collection here that is right for
your special recipient.

Do you have a
builder, a doer, a maker, a hands-on kind of little person? Are you buying for someone who may not sit
still for a conventional story but would love to name every kind of tool in the
toolbox? Here are a few good picks to
share with your young person.

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About Me

I am the reference coordinator at The Doucette Library of Teaching Resources, a curriculum library in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.
I love connecting education students and teachers with engaging and exciting resources for classroom teaching. I believe that resources that get me excited (or those that get you excited) are the ones with the best potential to get kids interested in learning about - well, everything. Finding those books that connect to the real world are the ones I enjoy promoting the most.